Patent GB-492622-A (GB)
Title: Method and apparatus for the production of hollow glass articles
IPC: C03B9/22
Filed: 1937-08-24
Abstract: 492,622. Making hollow glassware. JACKSON, L. MELLERSH-. (Owens-Illinois Glass Co.) Aug. 24, 1937, No. 23195. [Class 56] A method of making hollow glassware, particularly paste mould ware such as electric lamp bulbs or tumblers, comprises gathering a charge of molten glass by suction into a mould, bring- ing a finishing mould into register with the first mould, and then completing the blowing of the article by exhausting air from the finishing mould, the moulds being so arranged that the glass moves from the first mould into the finishing mould in the same direction that it entered the first mould. A machine for carrying out the process comprises a number of finishing mould units 23, Figs. 1 and 2, which rotate about a stationary column 22. The gathering mould units 16 are carried by rectangular frames 25 which are hinged together to form an endless chain that runs on a track 17 and is supported, with the frames vertical, by an endless cam track 59. The chain passes over, and is driven by a pair of wheels 28, 29 which have radial arms 31, 32, respectively, that engage the hinges 27 of the frames 25. The two sets of moulds are driven in unison with one another and register correctly during the blowing period. Each gathering mould 20 passes over an open forehearth T, Figs. 1 and 6, and during this movement a plough 105 dips into the glass and causes it to pile up into contact with the bottom of the mould, as shown in Figs. 6 and 12. Suction is also applied, to charge the mould, by a head 60 which is swung down on to the top of the mould. The cavity in the head is connected by passages 81 in the pivot pins of the frames 25 to an elongated valve chest 82 which slides along a track 83, Figs. 2 and 6, over valves 89. The valves are opened to connect the passage 81 to a vacuum manifold 86, and other valves in the head 60 are operated by fixed cam rails 95, 102 to control the time during which suction is applied to the mould 20. After the mould is charged, the trailing glass is cut off by a knife 120, Fig. 1, attached to the side of the forehearth, and a beadforming unit 125, Figs. 2 and 6, carried by the frame 25, is swung upwards into contact with the underside of the charged mould. Suction is applied to a cavity 119 in the unit 125, and part of the glass is drawn into a recess formed between the lower edge of the mould and the upper edge of a tube 131 which extends through the unit and aligns with the mould cavity. This part of the glass forms a bead b, Fig. 9, which is chilled and stiffened and prevents the glass charge from moving bodily into the finishing mould during the completion of the formation of the article. In a modified construction, the formation of the bead is assisted by a plunger 264, Fig. 10, which is moved into the tube 131 by a pneumatic cylinder 261. The plunger also forms an initial blow-opening in the blank. After the formation of the bead, the suction head 60 swings away from the mould 20 and is replaced by a finishing mould 150, Fig. 2. Each finishing mould is carried by a " spindle " 197 which is raised and lowered by a lever 201 operated by a fixed cam 208, and is rotated by a train of gear wheels 198 and an annular rack 199 secured to the stationary column 22. The vertical movement of the spindle opens and closes the mould 150, and its rotation prevents the formation of mould marks on the finished ware. The glass charge is expanded into the mould 150 by suction applied to the mould through a vacuum chest 172 in the spindle, the application being controlled by a valve operated by a lever 190 and a cam 196. After the article is formed, the moulds are opened at the take-off station D, Fig. 1, and the article is removed by a take-out device 218 and is deposited on a conveyer 219. The moulds are then dipped into a water trough 220 to cool them.